Learn the Party Duke
Make a "Party Duke" paper puppet with moving arms, decorate it with colors and stickers, then perform a short puppet show for friends.
Step-by-step guide to make a Party Duke paper puppet
Step 1
Choose a flat workspace and place all your Materials Needed where you can reach them.
Step 2
Draw a tall body with a round head on a sheet of cardstock for your Party Duke.
Step 3
Draw two long arms and two hands on another piece of paper.
Step 4
Cut out the body the arms and the hands carefully with scissors.
Step 5
Color and decorate the Duke's body with bright clothes and patterns.
Step 6
Color and decorate each arm and hand to match the Duke.
Step 7
Cut a small crown or party hat from spare paper for the Duke.
Step 8
Decorate the crown or hat with colors and stickers.
Step 9
Glue the crown or hat to the top of the Duke's head.
Step 10
Attach each arm to the sides of the body using a brass fastener so the arms can move.
Step 11
Tape the popsicle stick or straw to the back of the body as a handle.
Step 12
Move the arms with the handle to practice making them wave dance and point.
Step 13
Write a short one minute script or three fun lines for your Party Duke to say.
Step 14
Put on a short puppet show for friends using your Party Duke puppet.
Step 15
Share your finished Party Duke puppet and your puppet show on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have cardstock, brass fasteners, or popsicle sticks?
If you don't have cardstock use a cereal box or folded construction paper for the body, replace a brass fastener with a paper brad, split pin, or a punched hole tied with string to attach the arms, and use a sturdy straw, ruler, or rolled cardboard instead of a popsicle stick for the handle.
My Duke's arms won't move or keep falling off; what should I try?
If the arms won't move, check that the holes on the body and arms line up, loosen the brass fastener a little so the arms can swivel (or add a tiny paper washer), and press the fastener prongs flat or secure them with tape on the back so they don't fall out.
How can I adapt this activity for different age groups?
For ages 3–5 pre-draw and pre-cut the body and arms and let them color and stick the crown, for 6–8 let them cut and attach brass fasteners with supervision, and for 9+ have them write a one-minute script, design jointed limbs, or build a stage for the puppet show.
How can we make the Party Duke more special or interactive?
Personalize the Duke by adding stickers, googly eyes, and sequins to the crown and clothes, create a second Duke with a different script for a duet, or mount the puppet in a decorated cardboard shoebox stage and record your show to share on DIY.org.
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Facts about paper puppetry for kids
✂️ Papercraft lets you turn flat sheets into moving toys and characters using folds, cuts, tabs, and simple fasteners.
🧾 Paper dolls became a popular and collectible children's pastime during the Victorian era and often appeared in magazines.
🤡 Punch and Judy shows have been a British seaside tradition since the 17th century, famous for their silly, slapstick puppetry.
🎭 Puppetry has been used around the world for thousands of years to tell stories and entertain people of all ages.
🎪 Toy theatres (paper theatres) were a Victorian favorite that let families stage whole shows at home using paper sets and characters.
How do I make a Party Duke paper puppet and put on a short puppet show?
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